US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy (USPCAS-E) at National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and Jolta Electric, a designer, developer, manufacturer and assembler of electric vehicle kits in Pakistan, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for collaboration in provision of technical assistance for indigenous development of lithium ion batteries and super capacitor cells for electric vehicles.
The ceremony was attended by Malik Amin Aslam, advisor to prime minister on climate change. Chairman Jolta Group Muhammad Azim and Principal and Dean USPCAS-E Dr Adeel Waqas signed the MoU on behalf of Jolta and NUST respectively.
Under the MoU, a dedicated energy storage lab will be established at USPCAS-E. Headed by Associate Professor Dr Naseem Iqbal, the lab will focus on R&D activities for the development of li-ion batteries and super capacitors for EVs. The understanding is also in line with the approved national electric vehicles policy aimed at seeing electric vehicles capture 30% of the market.
Advisor on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam acknowledged NUST’s contributions towards finding indigenous solutions to social and industry problems. He also commended the university for being the first in Pakistan to transfer technology to the industry. He said the MoU is a step towards indigenization of electric vehicle manufacturing and will enable Pakistan to become part of the global value chain in the field of electric vehicles, which he termed future of the world.
NUST Rector Lt Gen (r) Naweed Zaman remarked that the electricity demand for EVs can be met through green and clean renewable energy resources. He held that introduction of locally manufactured EVs will help cut oil import bill of Pakistan and yield countless benefits for environment. He said the penetration of EVs is directly in line with the United Nations’ SDGs.
Azim thanked NUST rector for reaching out to Jolta Electric and expressed interest in joining National Science & Technology Park (NSTP) at NUST.
